Melissa in Kansas City: Week Three

Melissa Graham
There are a few things I've discovered in Kansas City that I simply can't live without.

They are things that always make me happy and always make me grateful to be living in Kansas City. My favorite: happy hour.

Each Wednesday for the last three years, my best friends and I have been getting together after work and enjoying great food, great drinks, great friends and fabulous restaurants.

We try drink specials, sample new food, and talk about how great it is that our favorite restaurants offer happy hour. We've even taken it so far as to nickname ourselves, "The Happy Hour Gurus." The best part is when we try a new place and it exceeds all of our expectations! That makes us so proud!

Recently, we tried Bristol in the Power and Light District, and we could not have been more impressed. They gave us a perfect table with plenty of room and a great view of the bar and the fireplace.

The service was fantastic and the prices were so reasonable. We had oysters, calamari, shrimp scampi and lots of martinis, and best of all, it was half price. Every Wednesday from 4-6:30pm they also serve lobster for only $14! That was definetly the highlight of that happy hour experience!

My favorite restaurant for happy hour is La Bodega on Southwest Blvd. I've been a loyal patron since my first time there when I tried the red sangria and the patatas bravas. I think it only took one time for that place to become my favorite restaurant. Maybe that was because my bill was only $12, and I was completely full! Either way, the service was extraordinary, the decor made me feel like I should have been in Spain, and the tapas had flavors I had never experienced before. I was in love, and I think I fall in love just a little more with each happy hour!

Each time I go to La Bodega I always try to sample something new, so a few weeks ago, Patrick, the manager, brought out a new menu item for us, and it instantly became by new favorite dish. Next time you're there, you have to try it, if you can pronounce it. It's called entrems de carne de cordero cruda, or lamb carpaccio. It was amazing! Happy hour at La Bodega is Monday- Friday from 2-6pm and on Saturdays from 2-4pm.

They have indoor and outdoor seating, and they do take reservations. If you've never been to La Bodega before, here's your chance! Happy hour is the perfect way to try one of the best restaurants in the city.

There are a few other places we like almost as much, but for me, La Bodega will always be my favorite. When we're not in the mood for tapas; crab rangoon, spicy basil wings and soft spring rolls from Arun Thai Place at 7th and Walnut always hit the spot. Happy hour lasts Monday- Saturday until 7pm, and it is one of the most relaxing happy hours with all the beautiful Asian decor surrounding us.

Next door, Seven serves their speciality drinks named after the Seven Deadly Sins. Pride and the sweet fig and prosciutto pizza go so well together! Also try the eggplant rolled with herbed goat cheese and rustic tomato sauce and the lust to drink. If you have a large group for happy hour, you can reserve the "The Loft," and for only $150 you can have reserved seating and 50 drink tickets for up to 25 people. It's a good deal, and you have great music, good service and beautiful views of Kansas City. I did this a few months ago on a random Friday, and it was a great start to the weekend, plus I had a ton of food left over!

In the Crossroads Art Distict, Nara is another great spot. With exposed brick walls, the Kansas City skyline gleaming through the windows, sushi and really good french fries, it just makes me feel very happy to be exactly where I am. From the first time we went to Nara, we just could not belive we were in Kansas City! It might be the coolest restaurant in the city, and the happy hour menu is fantastic. I love the vegetable robata and the Nara atoll, and don't miss the sushi--it's wonderful! On the weekends, Nara is a hot spot too. They have a reverse happy hour every night from 10pm-close and dj's almost every night of the week. Friday night Sike plays great hip hop and it's always packed! Again, if you've never been to Nara, it's time to check it out.

Finally, on the Country Club Plaza, Re:verse is my favorite happy hour spot. I love being able to walk there from my apartment, and the walk back is always fun. We never miss an opportunity to take silly pictures with the Ben Franklin statue on Jefferson St! Re:verse's happy hour also lasts until 7pm, the music is great, and the view of the beautiful houses across from Brush Creek are the best. They have great glasses of wine at half price, and all the food is delicious. The service is fantastic too--ask for Amber. She's the best!

I look forward to Wednesday every week. I love being able to spend time with my best friends and enjoy all the great restaurants we have here in Kansas City. It's wonderful to be able to spoil ourselves and indulge in something we love--happy hour! I think it's important to take time out of your busy week to sit back, relax and enjoy Kansas City. And with happy hour prices, you can never feel guilty about it!

Links:
http://www.kansascitymenus.com/labodega/
http://www.kcthaiplace.com/
http://www.seven-kc.com/
http://www.kcrestaurantguide.com/nara.htm
http://www.kcrestaurantguide.com/reverse.htm